Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Chuck Berry, who has died aged 90, was rock’n’roll’s first guitar hero and poet. Never wild, but always savvy, Berry helped define the music. His material fused insistent tunes with highly distinctive lyrics that celebrated with deft wit and loving detail the glories of 1950s US teen consumerism.

He is survived by his wife, Themetta “Toddy” Suggs, whom he married in 1948, four children, Ingrid, Chuck junior, Aloha and Melody and cousin Marvin.

We finally got the good games and the upsets we wanted.
I think we have the declare the offense vs. defense a draw.
South Carolina beat Duke, Arkansas gave North Carolina a game, but UCLA beat Cincinnati easily.
One tournament is a small sample, but man the ACC had just about has bad a tournament as you can have. Not only did the 5 bottom teams lose, three of the biggest upsets so far were ACC teams. Out of 9 teams to start only 1 remains. Out of 9 teams from the ACC and SEC, 6 remain.
Joel Berry got away with a ridiculous travel. And it came at a crucial time, pushing the lead from 1 to 3.
Alex English had a busy weekend, watching his son AJ play for Iona against Oregon, and then seeing his alma mater South Carolina beat Duke. Too bad he wasn't wearing this awesome jersey though.

One of Rhode Island's best players, Hassan Martin, is from Staten Island and went to Curtis High School.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

So it took until the third day but finally we got the thrilling upsets and fantastic finishes for which the tournament is revered.
But let's start at the beginning.
I love Verne Lundquist but he is losing his fastball. He misread the promo for "Kevin Can Wait." Even though it was about cooking, he said Chief Kevin, instead of Chef Kevin. Then made the same mistake again today, before correcting himself. Though we liked when he suggested the West Virginia band learn how to play "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"
When people were talking about seeing "Beauty and the Beast" this weekend I thought they meant Verne and Allie LaForce. LaForce by the way, has come a long way since we first profiled her, marrying former Mets reliever Joe Smith, and progressing nicely in her career.

We should take it easy on Verne though, poor guy got hit in the face by a basketball during warmups.
Villanova a huge disappointment in their title defense. For years they had underachieved and finally broke through, but then reverted back. They become the first #1 seed to get knocked out on the first weekend since Kansas lost that memorable game to #9 Northern Iowa in 2010.
Wisconsin probably deserved a better seed, they have a really good team.
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, shown a lot on TV at the Northwestern game because her son Charlie Hall is on the team.

But not nearly as much as the Northwestern crying kid.

I felt terrible about how often they showed him and how they milked his anguish. Thought it was a little too much. Turns on the kid is the son of the athletic director. And he's 11 years old. And I hope he never loses that youthful passion and enthusiasm.
Now to the important part of that game: the terrible non-call on a clear goaltending. It was clear and obvious, Zach Collins's hand was through the hoop when he contested that shot. The refs blew it. Perhaps the ref on the baseline was screened by the bottom of the backboard, perhaps he was looking for body contact, I don't know how all three of them missed it.

And it was a huge play. Massive turning point. Should have been a 3 point game with 5 minutes left. Instead after the technical on Chris Collins (no relation to Zack) it was back to 7 and Northwestern couldn't climb the hill. But despite the call Chris Collins cannot come onto the floor like that during play. The ref had to tee him up, no choice.

Arizona looks really good. Even though they got pushed by a good St. Mary's team, I like their talent. They may be lacking a true point guard but they have players everywhere around the court.
Kyle Guy and his manbun made Mrs. Poop's All-Hair team.

And his teammate Ty Jerome is on my all-name team.
If Mrs. Poop had an All-Name team (she doesn't) she would choose Florida's Gorjok Gak.

Because it reminds her of the gak from Double Dare.

Thank God Virginia lost. What a boring team to watch. 39 points? Really? Glad I will never have to watch London Perrantes play again.
Check out Caleb "Biggie" Swanigan's middle school highlight reel.
He had a lot of struggles earlier in life, and seems to have overcome them. He's lost 100 pounds, maybe has more to lose. But he is a fantastic player who can shoot and pass much better than we expect for someone of his size.
We ended the night with a good one. Two good athletic teams running up and down the floor. Exciting finish to the day. Let's hope for more tomorrow.